The Language of
Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh
Imagine being sent a beautiful bouquet of flowers by your FiancĂ©, but instead of taking great joy in receiving the flowers you find yourself bereft with anguish. Why because the flowers in the bouquet are telling you that your sweetie is no longer in love with you and you are being dropped like a hot potato. This is like the modern day text that says “while I will always have a special place for you in my heart I cannot marry you” Back in the 19th century there was something called the language of flowers also known as floriography. It was a Victorian Era means of communication in which various flowers and floral arrangements were used to send coded messages allowing individuals to express feelings which otherwise could not be spoken. The problem with the flower dictionaries is that no two are exactly alike. If the person or persons you were communicating with were not on the same page you certainly could get really confused. He loves me or he loves me not. Not good! Fortunately there are a few flowers whose meanings have stayed the same. So when your sweetie gives you red roses, that means love or at least you hope it does right?
Imagine being sent a beautiful bouquet of flowers by your FiancĂ©, but instead of taking great joy in receiving the flowers you find yourself bereft with anguish. Why because the flowers in the bouquet are telling you that your sweetie is no longer in love with you and you are being dropped like a hot potato. This is like the modern day text that says “while I will always have a special place for you in my heart I cannot marry you” Back in the 19th century there was something called the language of flowers also known as floriography. It was a Victorian Era means of communication in which various flowers and floral arrangements were used to send coded messages allowing individuals to express feelings which otherwise could not be spoken. The problem with the flower dictionaries is that no two are exactly alike. If the person or persons you were communicating with were not on the same page you certainly could get really confused. He loves me or he loves me not. Not good! Fortunately there are a few flowers whose meanings have stayed the same. So when your sweetie gives you red roses, that means love or at least you hope it does right?
In the Language of Flowers the author uses
this Victorian language of flowers to help the main character communicate her
grief, mistrust and other emotions. The book opens with us being introduced to
Victoria who is eighteen years old and being emancipated from the foster care
system. She has no one and nowhere to go until she hooks up with this florist
and her talent becomes apparent. Not only does she create beautiful
arrangements but she helps people by creating bouquets with hidden meanings
that help them hook up. One day she is in a flower market buying flowers for
the shop when a mysterious vendor sends her flowers and these flowers have a
meaning. Luckily Victoria and he used the same flower dictionary. It drives her
crazy and she is forced to respond and the story goes from there.
One of the interesting aspects of this book is that the author alternates
chapters between the past and present. She takes you back in time to see what
happened to Victoria and then fast forwards to the present so you see the
effect of the past. I really enjoyed this and was wondering what you think
about this style (going back and forth in time). A major them in this book is
forgiveness and second chances. Does Victoria deserve this? I also pose this
question to you; why can’t Veronica let herself be happy? What prevents anyone
from allowing themself to be happy even when it seems they have a lot going for
them.
For my book club buddies if you are reading this posting than I’d like you
to know that this will be my book club selection. Enjoy
This Book can be found on amazon.com Language of Flowers
This Book can be found on amazon.com Language of Flowers
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